Fall 2024 Newsletter

Heroes Hall Museum welcomes new supervisor

By Carol Singleton

Director of Exhibits & Education

I am pleased to announce that Johanna Svensson has taken the helm as the new Heroes Hall Supervisor starting Sept. 1. Johanna has worked for OC Fair & Event Center for 23 years and has held a number of supervisor positions, including Design & Décor as well as Creative Services. She brings with her a wealth of knowledge about designing exhibits, creating meaningful experiences for guests and providing excellent customer service. She is known for having a big heart and a big smile for everyone she meets, and we are delighted to have her leading Heroes Hall. We welcome you to come meet Johanna at our upcoming Veterans Day Celebration on Nov. 9 from noon to 3 p.m.

Veterans Day event to celebrate the healing power of art

Join us for a vibrant celebration this Veterans Day at Heroes Hall, where we'll honor our brave veterans and active-duty service members through the transformative power of art! The event, "Art of Service: Honoring Veterans Through Creativity," promises an afternoon filled with inspiration, connection and creativity.

What to expect:

• Swing dancing & musical performances: Get ready to tap your feet and enjoy lively performances that celebrate our heroes through music and dance.
• Arts & crafts activities for all ages: Unleash your creativity! Join us for hands-on activities designed for everyone, from kids to adults.
• Cookie decorating contest: Show off your decorating skills and compete for fun prizes in our patriotic cookie decorating contest.
• Free hot dogs & drinks: Enjoy complimentary hot dogs and drinks, generously provided by the Orange County Employees Association.
• Connect with local veterans’ organizations: Discover resources and support available for veterans and their families and learn how you can get involved in your community.
• And much more!

This event is open to the public with free admission and parking, making it accessible for all who wish to participate in this meaningful day.



Let’s come together to honor those who have served our country and celebrate the healing and expressive power of art. We look forward to seeing you there!

When: Saturday, Nov. 9 from noon – 3 p.m.

Where: Heroes Hall Museum & Education Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, California

How much: Free admission and parking.

More info: Call 714-708-1613

Sage Hill students hear veteran stories and write notes to troops

Al Harvard, retired U.S. Army captain, shares his experiences with students about working on Nike Missile systems while serving in the Army.

Heroes Hall partnered with the Freedom Committee of Orange County and the American Legion of Newport Harbor to provide students from Sage Hill School in Newport Beach with a unique educational experience. The students enjoyed presentations given by two veterans, then wrote letters and prepared care packages for troops serving overseas. The group of 30 freshmen students from Sage Hill School is part of a program that introduces them to ways they can give back to their community by uplifting others and helping those in need.

Barbara Van Note, from the Freedom Committee of Orange County, shares her experiences serving in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War era.

Janet du Monceau de Begendal and Janice Flanagan, from the American Legion, instruct students on how to prepare items for care packages to be shipped to troops serving overseas. For more information about how to support the troop shipping program, visit ala291.com/troop-shipping.

Heroes Hall seeks Vietnam War artifacts for upcoming exhibit

Heroes Hall is partnering with Siteline Productions to create an exhibit on the Vietnam War to run from February to December 2025. The exhibit will feature interviews with local Vietnam veterans as well as display artifacts and memorabilia. If you would like to share your story of serving in Vietnam or have an interesting artifact, letter, or piece of memorabilia to contribute, please contact Johanna Svensson at 714-708-1614. Above, Paul Todd, Heroes Hall docent and Vietnam War veteran, shares his story of serving in the war with Brent Ogden, Heroes Hall historian.

Heroes Hall is located next to Centennial Farm on the OC Fairgrounds. The museum is open to the public year-round.

OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa is home to the annual OC Fair. Year-round attractions include Centennial Farm, Table of Dignity, Heroes Hall and Pacific Amphitheatre. For more information, visit ocfair.com.

Support of OC Fair & Event Center provides year-round educational opportunities and helps fund community give-back programs.